Cute summer outfits may be the most mood-boosting of all. Warm, balmy weather and the corresponding looks simply have that effect. From the best flowy dresses to the best vacation swimwear—including the best one-piece bathing suits and the best beach cover-up dresses for a complete ensemble—summer fashion always feels lighthearted and fresh. So, when planning out your purchases and go-to formulas this year, looking to the runways and ever-directional street-style scene will ensure an au courant aesthetic.
Of course, staple pieces like simple tanks, white denim, and linen matching sets are seasonal mainstays. However, certain silhouettes are undergoing a redux of sorts, breathing new life into categories like the best summer skirts. The return of the denim maxi skirt is a prime example, which Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion, says "is such a great wardrobe staple and a great silhouette for all shapes and heights."
Also on deck? The bubble hem revival. "Refined, sleek skirts at Khaite, longer versions at Proenza Schouler reimagined with a low-waist, and Simone Rocha's metallic mini bubble skirt were all highlights," Wiggins tells BAZAAR. Keep scrolling for more summer-ready inspiration, and shop the pieces you'll need to recreate the best summer outfits through Labor Day.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
Slouchy suiting is already spot-on for summer. A skin-baring bra top and flip-flops make the look more relaxed and breathable.
By Malene Birger Povilos Pleated Wool-Blend Twill Wide-Leg Pants
Team these roomy trousers with the matching blazer.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: To The Max
"With noughties style having a resurgence, the denim maxi styled with a simple white tee or tank is a great, modern way to tap into the trend," says Wiggins.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop It Like It's Hot
It's all about the cropped blazer this season for a polished take on nostalgia. We love one worn as a top with edgy jeans for a night out.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Nothing But Net
You may typically wear a netted dress waterside, but why not have a city moment by styling one with a cropped shirt layered atop for dinner?
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Beat The Heat In A Cabana
Shirt, that is. The tension of a bra with the menswear-inspired top and jorts is too good.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bubble Up
When giving the season's bubble hem a try, Wiggins says, "Cecilie Bahnsen's hand-smocked voluminous dresses paired with socks and Asics is our favorite way to interpret the trend this summer." For a more breathable shoe option, go with sleek, comfy sandals.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Totes Amazing
Amplify the effect of basics with a supersized tote bag—the result is relaxed with poise.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Coast Along
Dial up the mood on a chilly coastal day in a relaxed, all-white look. June gloom, who?
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Marigolden Hour
Light up the room in a cotton poplin dress with dynamic details.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: So Nauti
A nautical knit is quintessentially summer—a half-zip is our preferred silhouette.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Shout Out To The Cut-Outs
While beachy in vibe, Julia Comil proves that the cut-out dress look can be equally appealing in the city. Of course, that Parisian backdrop doesn't hurt a bit.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Precious Cargo
A sweetheart top brings a darling touch to utilitarian cargo pants for a so-fresh update on summer whites.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: How Low Can You Go?
Low-rise pants have officially returned, from jeans to trousers and casual chinos. The vibe is relaxed and right on for summer.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Weave Around
Nothing says summer like woven accessories and a vibrant cotton poplin dress.
Without question, this Prada is one of the best straw bags.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slash It
The summer urge to show skin is real. Rethink your approach with a micro top and side-slashed jeans.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: How Romantic
Flat minimalist sandals temper the formality of a romantic dress for daytime.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Blue Jean Baby
A baby tee is key in the heat—baggy jeans and a boxy blazer are excellent counterbalances.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop Up
Let us not forget the cropped knit with seasonal brights—the perfect look when a summer breeze strikes.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Well Vested
The vest suit is here to stay. Freshen up the look for summer with a pretty shade of rose.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Show One's Colors
Amplify the effect of stripes by accessorizing with a colorful bag that picks up a tone in the motif.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Good Sport
A black sports bra styled as a top instantly modernizes classic white linen tailoring. J'adore the graphic punch.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Yeah, Bra
Another way to beat the heat in a long denim skirt? With a bra top. Your choice if an added layer feels necessary.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Parachute In
If you're in your baggy pants era, don't be without a swishy pair of parachute pants. Minimalist extras elegantly ground them while nodding to the aughts. This asymmetrical white tank top and square-toe sandals? So good.
Obsessed doesn't even begin to describe how we feel about these toggle drawstring pants. The same goes for this Agolde tank.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Full Circle Skirt
Summer whites, but make it office appropriate in crisp cotton separates. The full skirt is fully back this season.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bathing Suit Beauty
Take your bikini top from the beach to the streets. The look is legit when paired with an open shirt and high-rise trousers.